City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023) – Mayor Malik D. Evans today announced that ROC the Riverway Weekend, the annual celebration of the Genesee River and the ROC the Riverway Downtown waterfront revitalization program, will be held Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8 with a variety of events at various locations on and near the river.
“ROC the Riverway Weekend offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Genesee River in the full splendor of autumn while also learning about the exciting new developments that are transforming our riverway,” said Mayor Evans. “I want to thank the many volunteers and stakeholders who bring the Genesee River to life each year and make this weekend so successful. Tapping into the community-building, job-creating potential of the Genesee River is at the heart of our work to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.”
Formerly called River Romance, and before that Rediscover the River, and dating back more than 40 years, ROC the Riverway Weekend is a series of events that give residents and visitors a chance to explore the past, present, and future of the city’s relationship with the Genesee River, along with Lake Ontario and the Erie Canal.
Events include scenic and birding-focused boat cruises, tours of the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, guided walks, bicycle and paddle tours, historical presentations, a chance to view the fall salmon run and a sturgeon release near the Lower Falls, and the 34th annual Head of the Genesee Regatta with the Genesee Rowing Club. The Genesee River Alliance and Tour Blend have also partnered to create several self-guided tours using the Tour Blend mobile app.
ROC the Riverway is the City’s most ambitious public works program encompassing more than 30 projects along the Genesee River to create series of waterfront destinations connected by a completed Genesee Riverway Trail.
Completed projects include the first phase of ROC City Skate; projects underway include the re-purposing of the historic Erie Canal Aqueduct beneath the Broad Street Bridge; and proposed projects include a Front Street Promenade. New York State is also developing a companion project to create the High Falls State Park at the base of the High Falls.
To learn more about ROC the Riverway Weekend, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/roctheriverwayweekend/.
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News Media: For more information, contact Communications Director Barbara Pierce at Barbara.Pierce@cityofrochester.gov.
The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration’s Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the “Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional and generational growth for all who live, work or play in the city of Rochester.